Yan Couto provides injury update after 'brutal' challenge as Borussia Dortmund full-back targets Bundesliga opener

Borussia Dortmund got their 2025-26 campaign off to a winning start, beating Rot-Weiss Essen 1-0 in the first round of the DFB-Pokal on Monday. However, in stoppage time, Essen substitute Kelsey Owusu caught Dortmund full-back Couto on the knee with an outstretched leg. The Brazilian seemed to be in agony and was forced off the pitch. However, Couto has now provided an update on the condition of his leg, hinting that he could possibly be in contention for Saturday's Bundesliga opener against St. Pauli.

The challenge was an absolutely wild one from Owusu, prompting team-mate Julian Brandt to say that the tackle and the subsequent reaction from Couto was "brutal" and that "things are looking pretty bad for him." However, German outlet kicker provided optimistic news on Tuesday. They claimed that medical tests confirmed that Couto has avoided any ligament damage and is dealing only with a painful knee contusion. Should the former Manchester City man recover well, he could be available for selection in Saturday’s Bundesliga opener against St. Pauli.

Further confirmation that Couto is on the mend came from striker Serhou Guirassy. A Snapchat story posted Tuesday afternoon by Guirassy showed Couto walking freely — surprisingly, on a highway, where both players appeared to be stuck in traffic.

Late on Tuesday evening, Dortmund took to social media to post a short message from Couto. 

"Hello BVB fans, I'm feeling better again. I hope I can be back on Saturday. See you," the 23-year-old said.

Niko Kovac will be hoping that his players do not suffer further injuries. Amid an injury crisis in defence and lack of squad depth, Dortmund are set to play two league games this month, before the international break takes place. Die Schwarzgelben will face St. Pauli on Saturday, followed by a game against Union Berlin on August 31.